Learning to Journal: Tips for Writing and Reflection
by David Stiles

Keeping a spiritual journal can be a helpful tool for growing in your Christian faith. A journal can be used  to record events, ideas, memories, prayers, concerns, problems, relational issues and other details of life.

Why Journal?
Journaling is such a helpful tool because we must focus our thoughts to do it.  Unlike entertainment or other activities that can be done automatically, journaling involves reflection, meditation and thought.

When we journal we might write about God, His call on our lives, sins we may need to confess, His love and mercy, or areas of life we area in need of His touch.

Our journals might help us discover important point of learning or meaning as we take a break from doing activities such as work, entertainment and other issues that fill our day and focus our thoughts on why we do them. We might write about where we've come from, what we're doing and where we're going.

Journaling might also help us with relationships, as we document significant events or write about friendships.

Journaling Matrix
As we journal, there are three types of relationships we might write about:

• God

• Self

• Others

There are also three periods of time we might reflect upon:

• Past

• Present

• Future

You might find the following table helpful in identifying areas to write about in your journal. Simply pick one of the blank squares in the table, then use the time period found to the left and the relationship at the top of the column.

Tips for Writing and Reflection:

1. Watch Your Expectations
There is a common perception held by many that there is a "correct" way to journal. I've talked to several people who told me that they stopped keeping a journal because they could not write in it every day.

There are some people who can keep a journal on a daily basis, however, I would encourage you to still try even though you may not write in your journal every day.

It's important to keep in mind that there isn't a "right way" or a "wrong way".

2. Don't Compare
Bookstores carry a number of popular journals from famous Christians like Thomas Merton, John Wesley, and Jonathan Edwards. These journals can be inspiration to read. However, it is important, not to compare the way you keep your journal with others. The way that you write will be different as well as events, circumstances and relationships.

In keeping a journal, therefore, the best thing to do is be yourself. Try to write authentically and honestly about what is going on in your life.

3. Review Your Journal Periodically
One of the most rewarding things I find in keeping a spiritual journal is the review of previous entries. Reviewing previous entries can help you learn from past mistakes and analyze patterns that have developed over time, as well as seeing how:

• God has worked in your life

• You have grown as a person

• Relationships and circumstances have changed over time

Journaling can be a rewarding experience. It is not always easy. It takes courage to look at your life and your experiences in an honest manner as you use this tool for growing in Christian faith.  ™

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